TFL Rulebook

About The TFL

The Teddy Football League, also known as the TFL, is a fictional football league created by me, Teddy Coenen, in 2020. While the league utilizes real NFL players and concepts, it operates as its own football universe with unique teams, histories, records, awards, and traditions.

The origins of the TFL can be traced back to the COVID-19 quarantine in 2020. Looking for a creative project, I began designing fictional NBA team logos using Placeit, an online logo creation platform. After enjoying that process, I decided to apply the same concept to football and created 36 original football franchises complete with their own names and logos.

With the teams established, the next step was building a league around them. My original idea involved conducting a position-only draft for all 36 teams for each position. I only completed the quarterback-only draft, and it quickly became clear that drafting every position in this style would be far too time-consuming. The concept was ultimately abandoned, and the league was restructured before its inaugural season.

As part of that restructuring, four franchises were removed from the original lineup, reducing the league from 36 teams to 32. Those teams were the Phoenix Pythons, San Diego Archers, Oregon Beavers, and Michigan Wolverines. However, the Pythons, Archers, and Beavers would later return to the TFL as expansion franchises.

To create the league's first rosters, I used player ratings from Madden NFL 20. After randomly determining the draft order, the inaugural TFL Draft was conducted. Each franchise selected players through four rounds of a snake-style draft, establishing the foundation of every team in the league.

After 128 selections had been made, thousands of players still remained available. Rather than conducting a full draft for every roster spot, all undrafted players were entered into a random wheel and assigned to teams one by one until every roster was filled. While simple, this process helped complete the league's first set of rosters and officially prepared the TFL for its inaugural season.

With the teams assembled, the final step was creating a schedule. Using an NFL schedule as a template, I replaced every NFL team with a TFL franchise and officially launched the league.

What began as a quarantine project has since evolved into a football universe spanning more than twenty seasons of history. The league has grown from 32 teams to 40, introduced expansion franchises, established a Hall of Fame, created thousands of player records and statistics, and developed a rich historical archive documenting every season of competition.

The TFL operates on a three-season-per-year format, with three complete seasons taking place during each calendar year. This structure began with Seasons 1–3 in 2020, followed by Seasons 4–6 in 2021, Seasons 7–9 in 2022, and has continued in the same pattern every year since. As a result, each calendar year represents a distinct three-season era within TFL history.

Today, the TFL serves as the centerpiece of a project that continues to grow with each passing season. Every game, award, championship, record, and Hall of Fame induction contributes to an ever-expanding history that makes the league what it is today.

The league has since been through many changes and milestones, all of which are highlighted in the TFL Evolution page.

The TFL Website

In July 2025, between Season 16 and Season 17, I launched the official TFL website to serve as the permanent home of the league's history. During that first month, my primary focus was laying the foundation by building the site's structure, creating the core pages, and establishing a framework that could continue expanding alongside the league itself.

Since then, the website has grown into the culmination of everything I have created for the TFL. What began as a small collection of pages has expanded to more than 450 pages, documenting virtually every aspect of league history. From franchise pages and player records to awards, statistics, drafts, Super Bowls, and historical archives, the website has become a complete encyclopedia of the TFL.

One of the largest sections of the site is dedicated to the Hall of Fame, featuring more than 100 individual player pages for Hall of Fame inductees and eligible players. Every page is designed to preserve the accomplishments, careers, and legacy of the league's greatest players while documenting their place in TFL history.

Today, the TFL website represents the culmination of years of work and serves as the definitive archive of the league. Every season, game, player, award, milestone, and historical record has a place within the site, making it the centerpiece of the entire TFL project and ensuring its history continues to be preserved for years to come.

League Structure

The Teddy Football League (TFL) consists of 40 franchises divided between two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Each conference contains four divisions—East, North, South, and West—with five teams in each division.

At the conclusion of the regular season, 20 teams qualify for the TFL Playoffs. Each conference sends ten teams to the postseason, consisting of four division champions and six Wild Card teams. Division champions are seeded ahead of Wild Card teams regardless of overall record.

Division standings are determined primarily by overall record. In the event of a tie, the following tiebreakers are applied in order:

1. Head-to-head record

2. Division record

3. Conference record

4. Points scored versus points allowed among the tied teams

5. Coin flip

The ultimate goal of every franchise is to win its division, secure a playoff berth, and compete for the TFL Championship in the Super Bowl.

Roster Structure

Each TFL franchise maintains a roster of either 52 or 53 players. Teams may carry a maximum of 53 players only if one of those players is designated as a fullback (FB). Because the fullback position is optional, franchises without a fullback are limited to 52 players.

The TFL utilizes a fixed roster structure to ensure competitive balance across the league. Every franchise must meet the exact positional requirements outlined below. These requirements serve as both the minimum and maximum number of players permitted at each position.

Offensive Positions

• Quarterback (QB): 3

• Running Back (RB): 4

• Fullback (FB): 0 or 1

• Wide Receiver (WR): 6

• Tight End (TE): 3

• Center (C): 2

• Guard (G): 4

• Offensive Tackle (OT): 4

Defensive Positions

• Defensive End (DE): 4

• Defensive Tackle (DT): 4

• Linebacker (LB): 6

• Cornerback (CB): 5

• Safety (S): 4

Special Teams

• Kicker (K): 1

• Punter (P): 1

• Long Snapper (LS): 1

Kick returners (KR) and punt returners (PR) are not designated roster positions. Instead, those responsibilities are assigned to players already on the active roster, most commonly wide receivers, running backs, or defensive backs.

Each franchise maintains a complete depth chart for every position. Starters, backups, and developmental players all occupy defined roles within the roster structure, allowing teams to build depth and plan for the future.

The TFL does not utilize injuries, injured reserve (IR), or practice squads. As a result, all roster spots remain active throughout the season. When players retire or are released, franchises may fill those vacancies through free agency, trades, or the Rookie Draft.

By maintaining a standardized roster structure across all 40 franchises, the TFL ensures that every team operates under the same roster-building framework while still allowing organizations to develop unique identities through player acquisition, drafting, free agency, and trades.

Scheduling Formula

Beginning in Season 10, TFL schedules have been created manually using a structured rotation system designed to ensure every franchise regularly faces opponents from throughout the league.

Each team plays an 18-game regular season schedule with no bye weeks. Because the schedule is created entirely from scratch, every team plays once during each of the league's 18 regular season weeks.

Divisional Games

Eight of each team's 18 games are played against division opponents.

Every franchise plays the other four teams in its division twice, once at home and once on the road. This guarantees that divisional opponents meet every season and that each team receives four divisional home games and four divisional road games.

The remaining 10 games are determined through the TFL's rotating division schedule.

Same-Conference Rotation

Each team plays all five teams from one rotating division within its own conference, accounting for five games.

There are three same-conference rotations, allowing every division to face each of the other three divisions in its conference once every three seasons.

The rotation began in Season 10 and repeats continuously:

Rotation 1

• AFC East vs. AFC West

• AFC North vs. AFC South

• NFC East vs. NFC West

• NFC North vs. NFC South

Rotation 2

• AFC East vs. AFC North

• AFC South vs. AFC West

• NFC East vs. NFC South

• NFC North vs. NFC West

Rotation 3

• AFC East vs. AFC South

• AFC North vs. AFC West

• NFC East vs. NFC North

• NFC South vs. NFC West

Season 10 used Rotation 1, Season 11 used Rotation 2, and Season 12 used Rotation 3. The cycle then restarted with Rotation 1 in Season 13 and continues in the same order every season.

As a result, every franchise is guaranteed to play every team in its conference outside of its own division at least once during every three-season cycle.

Interconference Rotation

Each team also plays all five teams from one rotating division in the opposite conference, accounting for the final five games of the regular season.

There are four interconference rotations, allowing each AFC division to face every NFC division once during a four-season cycle.

Rotation 1

• AFC East vs. NFC South

• AFC North vs. NFC West

• AFC South vs. NFC East

• AFC West vs. NFC North

Rotation 2

• AFC East vs. NFC West

• AFC North vs. NFC South

• AFC South vs. NFC North

• AFC West vs. NFC East

Rotation 3

• AFC East vs. NFC East

• AFC North vs. NFC North

• AFC South vs. NFC South

• AFC West vs. NFC West

Rotation 4

• AFC East vs. NFC North

• AFC North vs. NFC East

• AFC South vs. NFC West

• AFC West vs. NFC South

Season 10 used Rotation 1, followed by Rotations 2, 3, and 4 in Seasons 11, 12, and 13. The cycle restarted with Rotation 1 in Season 14 and continues every four seasons.

This structure guarantees that every franchise plays every team in the opposite conference at least once during each four-season cycle.

Home and Away Games

The home and away designation for the 10 rotating-division games is determined randomly.

Unlike divisional games, these matchups do not automatically alternate home and away based on previous meetings. However, schedules are constructed so that every franchise receives a minimum of eight home games during the regular season.

Because each team already receives four guaranteed divisional home games, the randomly assigned rotating games determine whether a team ultimately finishes with eight, nine, or more home games, depending on the season's schedule.

Weekly Schedule Order

The order of games throughout the season is determined manually. Matchups are arranged based on factors such as team location, competitive interest, divisional matchups, and potential primetime appeal.

Although TFL games do not have official kickoff times such as 1:00 PM or 4:25 PM, each week's schedule is ordered as if it followed a traditional professional football broadcast schedule.

Games involving a home team located in the western portion of the United States are generally placed later in the weekly order to reflect how those games would typically receive later kickoff windows.

Each week also contains three designated primetime games:

• The first game of the week represents Thursday Night Football

• The second-to-last game of the week represents Sunday Night Football

• The final game of the week represents Monday Night Football

These games are generally selected based on the most notable, competitive, or historically significant matchups available that week.

Through the combination of divisional games, rotating conference matchups, interconference competition, home-and-away balance, and manually selected weekly ordering, the TFL scheduling formula creates a consistent league-wide structure while still allowing each season to feature a unique schedule.

Game Structure

The TFL follows the standard rules and scoring system of professional football. Games consist of four 15-minute quarters. Touchdowns are worth six points, extra points are worth one point, two-point conversions are worth two points, field goals are worth three points, and safeties are worth two points.

If a regular season game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime is played. Each team is guaranteed one offensive possession, even if the team receiving the ball first scores a touchdown. Once both teams have possessed the football, the game enters sudden death and any score wins. If the overtime period expires before a winner is determined, the game ends in a tie.

Postseason overtime follows the same possession rules; however, playoff games cannot end in a tie. Additional overtime periods are played until a winner is determined.

Unlike traditional simulation leagues, TFL games are not generated by a video game or a statistical simulator. Instead, each game is individually created by Teddy Coenen. Final scores, scoring plays, and game outcomes are determined through a combination of player talent, season storylines, and competitive balance. This approach allows every game to contribute to the league's evolving history while maintaining a unique level of creativity and control.

Playoff Structure

The TFL Playoffs consist of 20 teams, with 10 teams qualifying from each conference. The four division champions in each conference earn the top four seeds, while the remaining six postseason spots are awarded to Wild Card teams based on regular-season record and tiebreakers.

Playoff Seeding

Within each conference, division champions are seeded 1 through 4, and Wild Card teams are seeded 5 through 10. Division winners are always seeded ahead of Wild Card teams regardless of overall record.

When teams finish with identical records, playoff seeding is determined using the following tiebreakers:

1. Head-to-head record

2. Conference record (except for ties involving only teams from the same division)

3. Division record (for teams within the same division)

4. Points scored versus points allowed among the tied teams

5. Coin flip

First Round

The postseason begins with the First Round. Seeds 5 through 10 compete while the top four division champions receive a bye.

First Round Matchups:

• #10 at #5

• #9 at #6

• #8 at #7

The #1 seed receives an additional advantage by earning a double bye directly to the Divisional Round.

Wild Card Round

Following the First Round, the three winning teams advance to face Seeds #2, #3, and #4 in the Wild Card Round.

Matchups are reseeded, meaning the highest remaining seed always plays the lowest remaining seed. The higher seed hosts every game.

Divisional Round

The #1 seed enters the playoffs in the Divisional Round. The four remaining teams in each conference compete for a spot in the Conference Championship.

Matchups are once again reseeded, with the highest remaining seed facing the lowest remaining seed. Home-field advantage belongs to the higher seed.

Conference Championships

The two remaining teams in each conference meet in the Conference Championship. The winners are crowned AFC Champion and NFC Champion and advance to the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl

The AFC Champion and NFC Champion meet in the Super Bowl, the championship game of the Teddy Football League.

The Super Bowl is played at a neutral site and determines the league champion.

The Super Bowl MVP is awarded to the player on the winning team who delivers the most outstanding performance in the championship game.

Overtime Rules

If a playoff game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime is played using modified postseason rules.

• Each team is guaranteed one offensive possession.

• A touchdown on the opening possession does not immediately end the game.

• Once both teams have possessed the football, the game enters sudden death.

• Any score after both teams have had a possession wins the game.

These rules are designed to ensure both teams have an opportunity to possess the football while still preserving the excitement of sudden-death football.

Draft Format

The TFL Rookie Draft serves as the primary method for franchises to acquire young talent entering the league. Unlike the NFL Draft, which is held annually, the TFL Rookie Draft takes place once every three seasons. Since its introduction in Season 4, drafts have been held in Seasons 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, and 19. The next TFL Rookie Draft is scheduled for Season 22.

Each draft consists of seven rounds with 40 selections per round, resulting in 280 total draft picks. Franchises are permitted to trade future draft selections beginning two seasons before a draft. However, all draft-related trades must be completed before the start of the draft, as in-draft trades are not permitted within the TFL.

Draft order is determined by each team's cumulative regular season record over the previous three seasons. The franchise with the worst combined record receives the first overall pick, while the franchise with the best combined record receives the final selection of each round. Playoff performance and Super Bowl victories do not affect draft position. The same draft order is used in all six rounds, pending trades.

Only real-life NFL Draft prospects are eligible for selection. The TFL Draft is conducted each January, approximately three months before the NFL Draft takes place. To ensure the draft pool is accurate and complete, the TFL Draft is not conducted until the final deadline for college football players to declare for the upcoming NFL Draft has passed.

Computer simulations or NFL Draft results do not determine TFL draft selections. Instead, each prospect is personally evaluated and scouted by Teddy Coenen. Selections are made based on player talent and each franchise's positional needs, creating a unique draft process tailored specifically to the TFL.

Players who are not selected during the six-round draft become undrafted free agents. These players are eligible to sign with any franchise and may join teams immediately following the draft or in future seasons through free agency.

The TFL Rookie Draft represents one of the league's most important offseason events, providing struggling franchises an opportunity to rebuild while introducing a new generation of players into league history.

Trading Structure

Trades are a fundamental part of roster construction within the TFL. Franchises may trade players, draft picks, or any combination of assets in an effort to improve their teams, acquire future resources, or address specific roster needs.

Any player in the league is eligible to be traded, and there are no restrictions on the number of players or assets involved in a transaction. Some franchises choose to acquire established players to strengthen their current roster, while others may prioritize future draft selections as part of a long-term rebuilding strategy. Trades can take many forms, and no two transactions are exactly alike.

All trades take place during the offseason. While trades may occur in any offseason, activity is often highest during draft years as teams position themselves for the upcoming TFL Rookie Draft. Franchises are permitted to trade future draft selections beginning two seasons before the next scheduled draft. However, future picks are limited to the next available draft and cannot be traded beyond that point.

The TFL does not utilize a league voting system or trade review committee. All trades are approved by Teddy Coenen. When evaluating a transaction, consideration is given to the value being exchanged by both franchises, including player talent, roster fit, team direction, draft capital, and overall competitive balance.

Both teams involved must agree to the terms of a trade before it can be finalized. Franchises may pursue a wide variety of strategies, including acquiring draft picks, trading for established players, rebuilding for the future, buying low on underperforming players, or selling high on players whose value has peaked.

One of the most important rules governing trades is that no trades may occur during the TFL Rookie Draft itself. All draft-related transactions must be completed before the draft begins. Once the draft starts, each franchise must make its selections using the picks it currently owns.

Free Agency Structure

Free agency serves as the primary method for franchises to improve their rosters outside of the TFL Rookie Draft. Unlike the NFL, the TFL does not utilize player contracts, contract lengths, salary cap restrictions, or financial negotiations. Once a player is acquired by a franchise, they remain with that organization until they are released, traded, or retire from the league.

Each offseason, franchises evaluate their rosters and determine which players to retain and which players to release. Any player released from a roster immediately becomes a free agent and is eligible to sign with another franchise.

Free agent signings are determined by Teddy Coenen rather than a bidding process or salary-based system. Team needs, player fit, franchise direction, competitive balance, and overall league storylines are all considered when determining where a player signs. This allows free agency to remain flexible while helping franchises address weaknesses and build competitive rosters.

All available players enter a single free agent pool. Veteran free agents and undrafted rookies are eligible to sign with any franchise during the offseason free agency period.

During seasons that include a TFL Rookie Draft, a second wave of free agency occurs following the draft. Because 240 rookies enter the league through the six-round draft, franchises must make corresponding roster moves to accommodate their incoming draft classes. Players released as a result of these roster decisions enter the free agent pool and are given an opportunity to sign with new franchises before the season begins.

Records & Statistics

The TFL maintains an extensive statistical database designed to preserve the history of the league and document the accomplishments of its players and franchises. Every game, scoring play, and season is recorded and archived, creating a permanent historical record that spans every era of TFL history.

Unlike professional football leagues that track hundreds of statistical categories, the TFL focuses exclusively on scoring statistics. The following individual categories are officially recorded:

• Passing Touchdowns

• Rushing Touchdowns

• Receiving Touchdowns

• Return Touchdowns

• Field Goals Made

• Defensive Touchdowns

• Safeties

Statistics such as passing yards, rushing yards, receiving yards, tackles, sacks, interceptions, punts, and other non-scoring plays are not tracked. This streamlined approach allows the league to focus on the most impactful plays that directly contribute to scoring and winning games.

All statistical records are based exclusively on regular season performance. Playoff statistics are not recorded or included in any official career, season, or game totals. As a result, all league leaders, record holders, and historical rankings are determined solely by regular season achievements.

The TFL recognizes several categories of records, including:

• All-Time Career Leaders

• Single-Season Leaders

• Single-Game Leaders

• Single-Game Records

• Team Records

• Franchise Records

In addition to player accomplishments, the league also tracks significant team achievements and historical milestones throughout its existence.

All records and statistics are maintained manually by Teddy Coenen. Every game result, touchdown, field goal, safety, award, and franchise accomplishment is individually documented and preserved. This process ensures that each season becomes a permanent part of the league's historical archive.

When players retire, their accomplishments remain part of the official record book until surpassed by future generations. Likewise, franchise records remain attached to the organization regardless of future name, logo, or branding changes.

While numerous documents and archives exist throughout the TFL's history, the TFL website serves as the definitive source for records, statistics, and historical information. It represents the most complete collection of league history and acts as the central archive for preserving the legacy of the TFL and its players.

Pro Bowls & All-Pros

At the conclusion of every season, the TFL recognizes the league's top performers through Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. These honors serve as a permanent record of individual excellence and are among the most prestigious achievements a player can earn during their career.

Each season, 59 players from the AFC and 59 players from the NFC are selected to the Pro Bowl, resulting in 118 total Pro Bowl selections league-wide. Selections are based on a combination of statistical performance, on-field impact, and evaluation by Teddy Coenen.

The TFL Pro Bowl is not played as an actual game. Instead, Pro Bowl recognition exists solely as an honor awarded to players who demonstrated exceptional performance during the regular season. Because no game is played, replacement selections are not named.

The following number of Pro Bowlers are selected from each conference every season:

• Quarterback (QB): 4

• Running Back (RB): 5

• Fullback (FB): 1

• Wide Receiver (WR): 6

• Tight End (TE): 3

• Center (C): 2

• Guard (G): 3

• Offensive Tackle (OT): 3

• Defensive End (DE): 5

• Defensive Tackle (DT): 4

• Linebacker (LB): 9

• Cornerback (CB): 5

• Safety (S): 4

• Kicker (K): 1

• Punter (P): 1

• Long Snapper (LS): 1

• Return Specialist (RS): 2

In addition to the Pro Bowl, the TFL also recognizes the league's elite players through All-Pro selections. Each season, 27 players from the AFC and 27 players from the NFC are named All-Pros, resulting in 54 total All-Pro selections.

All-Pro honors represent the highest level of seasonal recognition and are awarded only to the very best players at each position. Every All-Pro is also a Pro Bowler, but only a select group of Pro Bowlers earn All-Pro status.

The following number of All-Pros are selected from each conference every season:

• Quarterback (QB): 1

• Running Back (RB): 1

• Fullback (FB): 1

• Wide Receiver (WR): 2

• Tight End (TE): 1

• Center (C): 1

• Guard (G): 2

• Offensive Tackle (OT): 2

• Defensive End (DE): 2

• Defensive Tackle (DT): 2

• Linebacker (LB): 3

• Cornerback (CB): 2

• Safety (S): 2

• Kicker (K): 1

• Punter (P): 1

• Long Snapper (LS): 1

• Return Specialist (RS): 2

While league awards recognize the most outstanding individual seasons, Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections provide a broader measure of sustained excellence. These honors play an important role in evaluating careers, preserving league history, and distinguishing the most accomplished players in TFL history.

Awards Structure

At the conclusion of every season, the TFL recognizes the league's top performers through a series of individual awards. These honors are among the most prestigious achievements in the league and serve as a permanent record of excellence throughout TFL history.

All award winners are selected by Teddy Coenen. Statistical performance plays a significant role in the selection process, but overall impact, consistency, team success, and season-long performance are also considered. Only regular season performance is evaluated when determining award winners.

The TFL Awards System

The TFL awards system consists of three award tiers, along with several League Honors that recognize achievements not tied to a specific tier.

Tier One Award

Most Valuable Player (MVP)

The MVP is the highest individual honor in the TFL. This award is presented annually to the player who had the most outstanding and impactful regular season in the league, regardless of position.

Tier Two Awards

Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY)

Awarded to the offensive player who delivered the most exceptional regular season performance.

Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)

Awarded to the defensive player who demonstrated the highest level of performance and impact throughout the season.

Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY)

Awarded to the most outstanding offensive rookie.

Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY)

Awarded to the most outstanding defensive rookie.

Because the TFL Rookie Draft occurs once every three seasons, rookie awards are distributed across the three seasons following a draft. During each rookie cycle, three unique Offensive Rookie of the Year winners and three unique Defensive Rookie of the Year winners are recognized before the next draft class enters the league.

Tier Three Awards

The following positional awards recognize the best player at their respective position during the regular season:

• Quarterback of the Year

• Running Back of the Year

• Wide Receiver of the Year

• Tight End of the Year

• Offensive Lineman of the Year

• Defensive Lineman of the Year

• Linebacker of the Year

• Defensive Back of the Year

• Special Teams Player of the Year (Introduced in Season 21)

League Honors Awards

Established in Season 21, the TFL introduced a collection of League Honors Awards that recognize achievements beyond single-season positional excellence. Unlike the Tier One, Tier Two, and Tier Three awards, these honors may be presented to any eligible player regardless of whether they have already received a tiered award during the same season.

Franchise Player of the Year

Awarded to the player who best represents the identity of their franchise through long-term commitment, leadership, perseverance, and sustained excellence on the field. While statistical production is important, this award also recognizes loyalty, heart, grit, and lasting impact within an organization. Players at any position are eligible.

A player may only win Franchise Player of the Year once with a particular franchise. After receiving the award, that player becomes ineligible to win it again while remaining with the same team. However, if the player later joins another franchise and establishes a similarly impactful legacy, they may earn the award again with their new organization.

Breakout Player of the Year

Awarded to the non-rookie player who made the biggest leap in performance during the regular season. This honor recognizes players who elevated their game to a new level through significant improvement, increased production, or a major emergence as a key contributor.

To be eligible, a player must not be a rookie and must have never been selected to a Pro Bowl or received a Tiered Award before the award-winning season. Rookies are ineligible, as they are recognized through the Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards.

Acquisition of the Year

Awarded to the player who made the greatest impact after joining a new team during the previous offseason, whether through free agency or a trade. This honor recognizes acquisitions that significantly exceeded expectations and transformed their new franchise. Players at any position are eligible.

Award Exclusivity

No player may win multiple Tier One, Tier Two, or Tier Three awards in the same season. The TFL awards system is designed to recognize as many outstanding performances as possible across the league.

A player who wins MVP is not eligible to win any other Tier One, Tier Two, or Tier Three awards that season. Likewise, winners of Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Rookie of the Year are ineligible to receive a positional award in the same season.

As a result, the fourteen Tier One, Tier Two, and Tier Three awards are presented to fourteen different players each year.

The League Honors Awards - Franchise Player of the Year, Acquisition of the Year, and Breakout Player of the Year - are independent of the tiered awards. Any eligible player may receive one of these honors regardless of whether they have already won a Tier One, Tier Two, or Tier Three award during the same season.

Team Awards

In addition to the league-wide awards, every franchise presents its own annual team award.

These awards are determined independently by each organization and are intended to recognize the player who made the greatest impact on that franchise during the season. While statistical production is often considered, team awards may also recognize leadership, improvement, consistency, professionalism, or other contributions that may not be reflected in the box score.

Because each franchise determines its own criteria, team awards vary across the league and reflect the unique identity and values of each organization.

Expansion Rules

Expansion has played an important role in shaping the modern TFL. While the league began as a 32-team organization, two separate expansion periods increased membership to the current total of 40 franchises.

The first expansion occurred in Season 10, when four new franchises joined the league:

• Anchorage Avalanche

• Philadelphia Generals

• Phoenix Pythons

• San Diego Archers

A second expansion followed in Season 14 with the addition of four more franchises:

• Delaware Admirals (Formerly the Destroyers; Rebranded in Season 20)

• Milwaukee Yetis

• Oregon Beavers

• San Antonio Orbit

The decision to expand from 32 teams to 36 teams was influenced by the league's original design. Before Season 1, the TFL was initially planned as a 36-team league before several franchises were removed during the league's formation. As the league continued to grow and additional resources became available, expansion provided an opportunity to restore that original vision.

The move from 36 teams to 40 teams was made to create evenly balanced divisions throughout the league. Expansion also provided opportunities to introduce new franchise concepts, revive previously removed teams, and create additional roster spots for players entering the league.

Three of the league's expansion franchises have a unique history within the TFL. The Phoenix Pythons, San Diego Archers, and Oregon Beavers originally existed during the league's earliest planning stages but were removed before Season 1 began. All three franchises eventually returned through expansion, making them the only teams in TFL history to be cut from the original league and later restored as official members.

Expansion Draft

Both expansion classes were formed through an Expansion Draft.

Before each Expansion Draft, every existing franchise submitted a list of players eligible for selection. Expansion teams then built their inaugural rosters by selecting one player from each existing franchise. No team could lose more than four players during the process.

Because the league contained 32 teams during the Season 10 expansion and 36 teams during the Season 14 expansion, expansion franchises selected either 32 or 36 players depending on the year they entered the league.

Expansion Draft order was determined randomly and followed a snake format, meaning the team that selected last in one round received the first selection in the following round.

Expansion Team Integration

Expansion franchises were assigned to conferences and divisions based primarily on geographic location. Once admitted, expansion teams operated under the same rules and roster requirements as every other franchise in the league.

The Season 10 expansion teams received a special benefit by being awarded the first four selections in the Season 10 Rookie Draft. This allowed the league's newest franchises to accelerate their roster development and establish competitive foundations, though three of them traded out of the first four selections.

The Season 14 expansion teams did not receive special draft positioning because Season 14 was not a draft year. Instead, they entered the league under the standard rules and were incorporated into the draft order for the Season 16 Rookie Draft.

Future Expansion

The TFL is currently capped at 40 franchises. While future expansion is not impossible, adding additional teams would require a significant increase in league-wide roster sizes and player management. For the foreseeable future, 40 teams is considered the ideal size for maintaining competitive balance, league depth, and long-term sustainability.

Rebranding Rules

While logos, uniforms, and visual identities may evolve over time, a true rebrand within the TFL is defined as a franchise changing its official team name.

Rebranding is a rare but important part of league history. Teams may choose to adopt a new identity in order to modernize their image or move away from a name that no longer fits the direction of the franchise. Unlike logo updates or color adjustments, which occur periodically throughout the league, a name change is considered a major organizational decision.

Since the league's founding, three franchises have officially rebranded:

• Hawaii Warriors → Hawaii Tikis (Season 18)

• Delaware Destroyers → Delaware Admirals (Season 20)

• Alabama Razorbacks → Alabama Crusaders (Season 21)

The TFL views a rebrand as a continuation of a franchise rather than the creation of a new one. When a team changes its name, all records, championships, awards, playoff appearances, Hall of Famers, and historical accomplishments remain attached to the franchise. Only the team's identity changes; its history does not.

As a result, the Hawaii Tikis are recognized as the same franchise that entered the league as the Hawaii Warriors. Likewise, the Delaware Admirals inherit the full history of the Delaware Destroyers, and the Alabama Crusaders retain all records and accomplishments earned during the Razorbacks era.

Any franchise is eligible to rebrand. However, rebrands are generally more likely to occur among teams that have not yet established a strong historical identity. Franchises with significant accomplishments, championship histories, or iconic players are often more closely associated with their names and are therefore less likely to pursue a major rebrand.

The Delaware Admirals serve as a notable example of this philosophy. As an expansion franchise that spent only six seasons as the Destroyers, the organization had not yet developed a deep connection to its original identity, making a rebrand a natural step in the franchise's evolution.

While the TFL currently enjoys a stable collection of franchise identities, future rebrands remain possible. The league recognizes that team identities can evolve, and franchises are permitted to pursue changes when doing so strengthens the league and improves the long-term direction of the organization.

Hall of Fame

The TFL Hall of Fame represents the highest individual honor a player can achieve. Established in Season 20, the Hall of Fame exists to preserve the legacy of the greatest players in league history and recognize those whose careers helped define the TFL.

Hall of Fame induction is reserved for players who demonstrated exceptional excellence, sustained success, and lasting impact throughout their careers. The Hall of Fame honors not only statistical achievement, but also the players who shaped eras, influenced championship races, and left a permanent mark on the history of the league.

Eligibility

Players become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration three seasons after their retirement.

For example, a player who retires following Season 18 first becomes eligible for induction as part of the Class of Season 21.

To be eligible for Hall of Fame consideration, a player must have earned at least one of the following honors during their career:

• Pro Bowl Selection

• League Award

• Team Award

Players who do not meet at least one of these requirements are not eligible for Hall of Fame consideration.

Senior Eligibility

The Senior Finalist designation will be introduced beginning with the Class of Season 40.

Players who remain on the Modern-Era Hall of Fame ballot for 20 consecutive Hall of Fame classes without being inducted will automatically transition to the Senior Finalist ballot. Their 20th Modern-Era ballot serves as their final opportunity for induction before becoming eligible as a Senior Finalist the following season.

For example, players who first became eligible in the Class of Season 20 will make their final appearance as Modern-Era Finalists in the Class of Season 39 before transitioning to the Senior Finalist ballot beginning with the Class of Season 40.

Selection Process

Every eligible player is automatically considered for the Hall of Fame each season.

The selection process consists of four stages:

1. Ballot

2. Semifinalists

3. Finalists

4. Hall of Fame Class

The Ballot includes every eligible player who has not yet been inducted.

From the Ballot, 30 players are selected as Semifinalists.

The field is then reduced to 15 Finalists.

Finally, a Hall of Fame Class is selected from the group of Finalists.

All Hall of Fame voting is conducted exclusively by Teddy Coenen.

Hall of Fame Classes

The inaugural Hall of Fame class was inducted in Season 20. Because it was the first class in league history, 15 players were selected for induction.

The Class of Season 20 remains the largest Hall of Fame class and is expected to be the only class larger than eight members.

Beginning with the Class of Season 21, annual Hall of Fame classes consist of between 5 and 8 inductees. This structure ensures that induction remains a prestigious achievement while allowing the Hall of Fame to continue growing over time.

Hall of Fame Standards

There is no single statistic, award total, or accomplishment that guarantees Hall of Fame induction.

When evaluating candidates, a variety of factors are considered, including:

• Career Touchdowns

• Statistical Achievements

• Individual Awards

• Pro Bowl Selections

• All-Pro Selections

• Championships

• Peak Performance

• Longevity

• Team Impact

• Historical Significance

No player is entitled to Hall of Fame induction. The Hall of Fame is reserved for players whose careers fundamentally shaped the history of the TFL.

While statistical production is important, Hall of Fame selection ultimately reflects a player's complete contribution to the league and the legacy they leave behind.

Scope of Evaluation

The TFL Hall of Fame is based exclusively on accomplishments achieved within the TFL.

Real-life NFL careers, professional awards, and off-field accomplishments are not considered during the selection process. Only a player's performance, achievements, and impact within the TFL are evaluated.

Hall of Fame Legacy

Hall of Famers are permanently recognized throughout the TFL website and historical archive. Inductees are cataloged alphabetically, by position, and by franchise, allowing visitors to explore the careers of the league's most accomplished players.

Every Hall of Fame member receives an individual Hall of Fame page documenting their career and achievements. These players represent the highest standard of excellence in TFL history and serve as the benchmark against which future generations are measured.

The TFL Hall of Fame stands as the league's most prestigious institution, ensuring that the accomplishments of its greatest players are preserved for future generations and remembered as part of the league's permanent history.

The TFL Philosophy & Annual Cycle

The Teddy Football League (TFL) is more than a football league. It is a long-term creative project built around history, competition, and storytelling. Every team, player, season, award, and championship contributes to a growing universe that continues to evolve with each passing year.

What makes the TFL unique is that it is entirely handcrafted. Unlike simulation leagues that rely on video games, random number generators, or statistical models to determine outcomes, every aspect of the TFL is personally managed by Teddy Coenen. Games are not simulated. Scores are created, touchdowns are assigned, awards are selected, trades are approved, and Hall of Fame classes are voted upon through a process that balances realism, league history, team identity, and competitive storytelling.

This approach lets the TFL maintain a level of personality that simulation alone can't replicate. Every franchise has its own history, every player has a unique legacy, and every season becomes another chapter in an ever-growing story.

The league strives to balance realism with creativity. While many aspects of the TFL are inspired by professional football, decisions are ultimately guided by what creates the most engaging league, the strongest history, and the best long-term experience for its franchises and players.

For me, the TFL is not simply a hobby. It is a project that has grown up with me. The 40 franchises are more than teams on a spreadsheet or logos on a website; they are the foundation of a universe developed, expanded, documented, and preserved over more than twenty seasons of history.

Season Cycle

The TFL completes three full seasons during each calendar year. Each season follows the same cycle, ensuring consistency while allowing the league to progress through three complete seasons annually:

1. Offseason Begins

2. Trade Window Opens

3. Free Agency Opens

4. Free Agency Closes

5. Trade Window Closes

6. Rookie Draft (Every Third Season)

7. Second Wave of Free Agency (Every Third Season)

8. Rosters Finalized

9. Schedule Created

10. Regular Season

11. Playoffs

12. Statistics Finalized

13. Pro Bowl Selections Announced

14. League Awards Announced

15. Hall of Fame Class Announced

16. Historical Records & Website Pages Updated

Once the season concludes, every result, statistic, award, championship, and milestone is permanently preserved. Team histories are updated, records are recalculated, award winners are documented, and the league's historical archive continues to grow.

The TFL website serves as the central hub for this history. While countless documents, spreadsheets, notes, and records exist behind the scenes, the website represents the definitive archive of the league and the most complete collection of its history.